Today the Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost – the day when Jesus’ Apostles went from hiding and locked in a room to throwing themselves into the limelight. After they received the Holy Spirit, they went from fearful and uncertain, to overjoyed and eager. They were filled with God’s love and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the amazing life – and afterlife – that is possible by following Jesus. The priest at church today said that it was 23 years ago that he celebrated his first Mass. He said he always felt a connection with the Holy Spirit and from the time he decided to pursue the priesthood, he prayed that his first Mass be on Pentecost. And it was – even though he had nothing to do with the scheduling of his ordination and such. His homily was beautiful and touched my heart. He said that the reason things aren’t going so well in the world is because WE aren’t doing anything about it. He reminded us all that as Baptized and Confirmed Catholics, God has given us the Holy Spirit and everything we need to make a difference in the world. But too many times we are afraid, or feel like our faith is just between us and God. He challenged each one of us to pray and ask God what He wants us to do and then do it. Fear and meekness can be overcome by courage and zeal, just as it was for the first Christians.

I Found God today in a reminder that I do have the Holy Spirit within me and I should not allow fear and worry to interfere with God’s path for my life.